Sandakhpu to get ambulance service from Sept 15

DARJEELING, : Sandakhpu, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Darjeeling hills, will get a dedicated ambulance service starting this September when it reopens after its annual closure.

Located about 61 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of 3,636 meters, Sandakhpu has long lacked emergency medical facilities. This initiative comes in response to recent tourist deaths caused by altitude-related breathing issues. Last year, three tourists lost their lives in the region with another death reported in January this year.

Dawa Sherpa, field director of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration’s Tourism department, stated, “The tourism department, after Sandakhpu reopens on September 15, has planned many things for Sandakhpu area, including the introduction of a fully equipped ambulance service.”

Sandakhpu, along with other eco-sensitive spots like Phalut, Kalpokhri, Garibas and Tumling, falls under Singalila National Park. The area is currently closed for three months, starting this Monday, as part of an annual routine to protect the breeding season of local wildlife. Similar closures are in effect at protected forest areas like Senchal and Neora Valley in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

Sherpa explained that the ambulance will be a four-wheel-drive vehicle, suitable for the rugged terrain. “It will primarily be used to transport tourists and locals experiencing health issues, especially altitude sickness, to lower altitudeswhere symptoms usually improve. First aid and oxygen support will also be available on-site at Sandakhpu.”

Highlighting a common concern, Sherpa said many tourists travel directly from Kolkata to Sandakhpu via NJP and Manebhanjyang without allowing their bodies time to acclimatize. “We advise visitors to spend at least two days in Darjeeling or Manebhanjyang before heading to higher altitudes.”

To streamline tourist management, the GTA is mandating registration for all tour operators from the plains working in regions like Rimbick and Srikhola. Unregistered operators will be stopped by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Additionally, a tourist data collection system will be implemented at Manebhanjyang to monitor visitor flow to Sandakhpu.

In a bid to preserve the fragile ecosystem, the GTA has also declared Sandakhpu a plastic-free zone starting September. Anyone found violating the rule will face fines imposed by the Forest Department.

Adventure activities such as river rafting in the Teesta and paragliding have also been suspended until September 15 due to the ongoing monsoon season, Sherpa added.